PNP concerned over selection of new CDF head

The People's National Party (PNP) has expressed concerns about the selection of Kedesha Campbell - a former personal assistant to Prime Minister Andrew Holness - as the new head of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) management unit.

Campbell replaced Moveta Munroe, who retired at the end of April. Munroe was appointed under the Bruce Golding administration after the 2007 general election.

In a release yesterday, the PNP said it "has taken note of, and is troubled by the appointment because it is not clear that due process was followed to fill the vacancy."

Acknowledging Campbell's record of serving as the personal assistant to Prime Minister Holness, and the completion of management-type courses as part of her skills development, the Opposition said "they do not equate to the experience and balance required to lead a unit such as the CDF, which entails the handling of projects of various descriptions, submitted by members of parliament from both sides of political divide."

The Opposition said that it was unclear if the position was advertised, and everyone given equal treatment as is required, to fill vacancies such as the position in question. It has asked when and where was the vacancy advertised; who were the persons short listed; and what were the deciding factors that gave Ms Campbell the advantage over others?

The Opposition stated further that it was "concerned that Ms Campbell's partisan affiliation and allegiance to the JLP-led administration could interfere with the operations of the CDF unit as it appears on the surface that the hiring process was abridged in favour of Ms Campbell."

In addition, the Opposition has called on the Government to take steps to ensure that the "operations of the CDF unit is not exposed to unnecessary partisan shenanigans such as delays in project approval and unavailability of resources."

The CDF is Government's support programme to help members of parliament better serve constituents for more effective representation. The CDF management unit has facilitated a number of social programmes.